Aki n'di ori Introductions
The salo ranadin, or aki n'di ori introduction, is an important ritual for all members of society. It tells others not only one's name but one's importance. In this, it behaves as a title, only it's not relegated to the rich and influential. Commoners can have as storied an introduction as a noble, and what impresses one group might not impress another.
If you are headed to Baq, Rakan or Teral, brush up on your salo ranadin. It's an expected part of formal introductions, and you never know who you'll need to impress.
Aki n'di ori Introductions:
All artwork by Shade Melodique
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featured image: biletskiy, Envato
Brief Comment About Catak:
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History
While some form of the salo ranadin had been around for centuries, it did not become a cultural staple until the Condi conquered Ay a di galay. The tribal peoples hated that their lands were the first to fall to Giarel and his thirst for empire, and wanted to distinguish themselves from the invaders. One of the ways to do so was to emphasize traditional introductions. Kept to the rebellious at first, the salo ranadin grew into the official way Jonna Empire citizens of the eastern seaboard introduced themselves to others. It became so popular, that even Empire officials used it, which was seen as a subtle yet successful push-back against Condi ideals. Once the Jonna Empire fell, the use of the salo ranadin was so ingrained, it remained a staple of formal greetings, gatherings, and events. If one visits Baq, Rakan or Teral (and to some extent, Jonnta), have an introduction ready, because it's an expected part of meeting unknown people.
The Two Parts
A salo ranadin consists of two parts: the mi tadi (name) and the shiri ta gado (descriptor). The mi tadi consists of one's given first name and township of birth (never add the country). If noble, Fe (Lady) or Fenan (Lord) begins the introduction. If one has a leadership role (government, guild, religious, etc), the title of that role and the town/city in which they are based comes after their name. The only people who use a country in the mi tadi are rulers; eg, Fenan Hidorin, King of Rakan.
The shiri ta gado can be as long or as short as one would like, though padding it is uncouth (don't brag but be impressive. It's a fine line to walk). It often includes one's lineage, one's calling, and any significant thing that would impress an average person.
While common to list the most important details first (often one's parents, especially if one is noble), for a lasting impression, one should leave the most impressive item for the end. In this way, the shiri ta gado is malleable, and the order up to individuals.
Place of birth is important to aki n'di ori, because it will hint which tribe a person is a member of. It's taboo to name a tribe in the introduction because of the conflict and ill-will the revelation can cause, but hometowns can provide the same info (at least in rural areas. This does not necessarily apply to urban centers).
Yes, ancient animosities between the lesser tribes still exist, though they are far fewer than in the past.
Before Ivore created the Flame, sindarin were associated with particular tribes. This led to much distrust between the martial orders. To combat this, the salo ranadin became a necessary component in cooling tempers because introductions were supposed to occur without weapons.
Most sindarin, to avoid the prohibition, designed formal wear with a longer sleeve for the hand that was not used for the bow. This hid a weapon, just in case the greetings got out of hand.
formal wear, Sunsong sindari, ~1800 AGI
Examples
Caravan Wagoneer
Kyar of Kathar di'omo, overland wagoneer for the Kla ra di'neri Caravan, official trader for Tindrel, keeper of nebben.
A wagoneer may not seem like an important role (it is), but the Kla ra di'neri is a well-known and respected caravan company throughout the lands south of the Sea of Condioh. This adds importance to his role without padding it. Kyar adds nebben keeper because nebben are notorious for their headstrong natures, and it hints that he is a kinder, compassionate person with a gentle touch.
Merchant
Lekedi of Tindrel, son of Jikadoro, jin'so of the Kla ra di'neri Caravan, Midem envoy for the Kla ra din'eri Caravan, councilmember of the Tindrel City Council, owner of the Fitiri Inn of Tindrel.
Lekedi's relationship to the owner of the Kla ra di'neri Caravan is the most important thing about him, as he will inherit the enterprise. This tells people not to upset him, because it might hurt future dealings. He's most proud of founding the Fitiri Inn, so that goes last.
If he were in Rakan, he would likely only mention his father and the Kla ra di'neri, since few would visit an out-country inn half a continent away. In Merren, both are important revelations because he would be seen as a local who's important in Searan-wide trade circles.
He would only use Tindrel city council member in an official council setting. The bloodmages who ruled Merren before the Illenan invasion bought off or blackmailed local officials to smooth the way for their terrible practices, so an association with a government entity might be a problem when dealing with average citizens rather than a boon.
Dragon Companion
*Fe Shiobe of Tura, daughter of Genphyte Pendarrin of the Iovan Palace School, speaker of eight languages, Seer of Shadows, wielder of the enchanted sword Ti'torien and the Kandari, and companion to Kykini Cede, Flame Dragon of Kassak.
Shiobe prefers to list me first, as I am her father, her first teacher, and have influenced her life and scholarship (it's not every scholar who can brag their daughter used their research to become a dragon companion). Depending to whom she speaks, she can add translator or swordswoman as her calling, but it's not necessary as being a dragon companion outshines both (and since it's literally true, it's not bragging). Seer of Shadows is a mysterious phrase that brings curiosity with it. Aki n'di ori like answering questions concerning odd or unfamiliar parts of their introduction, because it means the person they told was paying attention. This is, incidentally, one reason countries are omitted from the salo ranadin; it's an obvious thing to ask a question about, so one can fake paying attention. Shiobe wields Ti'torien and the Kandari. Since most people would not know what Ti'torien is, the explanation 'enchanted sword' is added (one wants their audience impressed, after all). Most know the Kandari, as it's an important object that appears in many Searan myths and legends, but if she wished, she could add 'the Flame Dragon's artifact, the Kandari', to give it extra punch. Companion to a dragon is self-explanatory. She lists Kykini last because he is the most socially important and impressive being on the list. *While Shiobe is not noble, no one would consider it odd for a dragon companion to use Fe, and would probably look at her askance if she neglected it.
Rules
- Perform the salo ranadin with a hand to the chest and head half-bowed, but eyes still looking at the listener. During an official introduction when a herald or some other official reads one's title, it's common to stand straight and listen, then half-bow after the official has finished, keeping eye contact. This dates back to ancient sindarin customs, where practitioners did not take their eyes off an enemy, just in case they took advantage of the brief inattention.
- Pause for a breath between items, which gives the listener an audible cue where a phrase ends and a new one begins. The introduction can blend together and leave a listener confused, otherwise (a common noble tactic, when they decide to list all their relative's accomplishments, hoping others will think those are their own). When writing a title, make liberal use of commas to denote where one phrase ends and a new one begins. Be aware, a comma does not necessarily mean a new phrase (for example: Kykini Cede, Flame Dragon of Kassak). Scholars over the ages have attempted to create a better way to write pauses, but due to squabbles, it never sticks long.
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Questions about the shiri ta gado:
While people love answering questions about their introduction, asking them must wait for an appropriate time. Most introductions happen during formal ceremonies and occasions, and it's considered rude to interrupt and ask questions. Save them for the social event afterwards. For an easy conversation-starter, craft a vague item that hints at something, like Shadow Seer. People will ask about it.
Things to do:
- While very important people could just say "Dragon Companion Shiobe" or "King Hidorin", that isn't in the spirit of the introduction and carries the air of arrogance and disrespect. The aki n'di ori refer to this as "Condi-like". Don't leave that impression, because it will take years to reverse it, if ever.
- A child's salo ranadin is as important as one for an adult. Don't ignore it. While it's true that children often lack the lengthy list of accomplishments, finding out one is the daughter of a noble or the local smith can provide need-to-know information.
- Interrupting anyone in the middle of their salo ranadin is considered rude.
- Speaking out of turn is considered rude. The order of speakers most often happens naturally (meeting a business acquaintance, the host goes first) but in official settings, local customs dictate who goes first and who is last. Asking about speaking order isn't considered rude, as it can change from one township to the next. Don't assume the most societally important people go first or last; often they're in the middle, because people get bored with a long salo ranadin event and leave before the final person has their turn. If uncertain, pick up Lendin Quill's Guide to Baq, Rakan and Teral. He has a handy list of communities and their salo ranadin order in the back of the book.
- If you're Condi, claim you're from Keskhue (capital of Rikondi). Few will realize the lie, and it will save you a lot of ill will. The aki n'di ori don't hold Rikondi in as poor a light as Condioh.
Things not to do:
- Using relatives' names:
unless one's parents are a social liability, introductions almost always include at least one of them and their occupation. For those of class standing, both parents and sometimes grandparents are named because they are lords and ladies, and the place they rule is noted. For those of lesser means, only the most important parent is named unless there is a compelling reason to list both. Social importance is of utmost priority. If, say, a sibling becomes a war hero or a famous actor, that relationship supercedes the parental one in the introduction. In my case, I would refer to my daughter, as she is a dragon companion. Remember, the point is to impress. If one's parents are deceased, it is up to the individual whether to name them or not. In common use, the elderly do not unless their parents were someone of import (like a ruler). - The order of the items listed in the shiri ta gado can be altered, depending on situation. For instance, if Shiobe introduced herself to the Jonna Historical Society, she would emphasize her relationship to me, as I'm a known scholar with work relevant to their mission. If she introduced herself to royalty, emphasizing her companionship to a dragon is more important.
Things to keep in mind:
- While introductions are often used to judge people (native and foreigner alike), the stigmas attached to certain occupations and hometowns have dwindled, especially among commoners. This is part of the general backlash against old, often detrimental traditions held onto by the aristocracy in Jonna Empire countries.
- That being said, if you have Condi ancestry, or work with the Condi in some manner (as a trader, for instance), downplay it or don't mention it, even if it's impressive. The aki n'di ori still resent the Jonna Empire and the fall of Ay a di galay to an inferior force. Yes, their warriors became the backbone of the empire's armies, but that doesn't mean they like the reminder. And the exception: mystery artists. If aki n'di ori have Condi siojhetioh ancestors and wield magick, it's seen as a boon because society assumes the Condi's great power passed on to their descendants. Listing this lineage will impress the general population, and is used by the aristocracy to grant legitimacy to their leadership. It's not that they don't hate those ancestors (many do), but those ancestors just happen to be useful.
It was an interesting read and all your thoughts on how to properly introduce yourself to someone were very inspiring. The tips on what to do and what not to do were also great. However, I wonder how long such an introduction can last at official events and at what age children learn this type of introduction and how to distinguish them? Sure, if you grow up with it, it's everyday life, but as an outsider who is not familiar with this tradition, I could imagine that you just interrupt people or ask yourself when you are finally going to finish?
Another question: Have you ever thought about changing the text color and font? I always enjoy reading your articles, but today I had the feeling that the text was flickering a bit or was harder to read. It could be because of the white font color on the black background. Maybe it would help to use a slightly darker white and increase the font size.
Thank you for the suggestions. I think changing the color of the font would be best, but I'll mess around and see.